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Comedy

Birthmarked (2018): Cast & Ratings

Birthmarked (2018) movie poster

Birthmarked is a 2018 comedy directed by Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais, starring Toni Collette as Catherine, Fionnula Flanagan and Matthew Goode. It runs 1 hour 30 minutes. Critics gave it 12% on Rotten Tomatoes and 44 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.7/10.

IMDb rating
5.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
12%
Echo Score
40
Metascore
44
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Birthmarked (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 30m (90 min)
Genre
Comedy
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Birthmarked About?

The premise of Birthmarked without spoilers.

Two accomplished scientists abandon their academic careers to embrace the joys and chaos of parenthood, adopting three children. They soon find themselves questioning the very nature of potential and destiny as they attempt to raise their new family, defying their own scientific predispositions. The experience leads them on a humorous exploration of unconventional parenting and the age-old debate of whether we are shaped by genetics or nurture.

Birthmarked Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • genetic
  • education
  • parenting
  • child rearing
  • human experimentation
  • genetic factors
  • behavioral scientist
  • prologue and epilogue
  • female doctor
  • doctor
  • year 1977
  • year 1989
+38 more
  • female topless nudity
  • idiot
  • violence
  • sharp shooter
  • russian man
  • reference to role play sex
  • equestrian
  • childhood
  • director cameo
  • female psychiatrist
  • helicopter
  • breach of contract
  • reference to alfred russel wallace
  • female personal assistant
  • axe used as a weapon
  • erotic art
  • sedative
  • basketball
  • mouse in a maze
  • release form
  • divorce
  • boarding school
  • best selling book
  • estranged family
  • fencing class
  • book party
  • shovel as weapon
  • criminal complaint for assault
  • parole hearing
  • bare chested male
  • george bernard shaw quotation
  • home movie
  • art project
  • family drama
  • family comedy
  • scene after end credits
  • quirky comedy
  • dark comedy
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Cast & crew

Birthmarked Cast & Characters

Toni Collette leads the cast as Catherine, with Fionnula Flanagan as Mrs. Tridek and Matthew Goode as Ben. Directed by Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais; 15 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais

One more film directed by Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais: Whitewash.

Full filmography
Ratings

Birthmarked Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Birthmarked 12% on Rotten Tomatoes and 44 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 40/100, strongest in character & emotion (60) and weakest in rewatch factor (30).

40 /100

Birthmarked Echo Score Breakdown

Birthmarked presents a blend of assured acting and a conceptually intriguing premise, yet it struggles to deliver consistent humor or emotional depth. The narrative pacing feels uneven, with sporadic laughs failing to counterbalance a far-fetched storyline. In terms of visual and auditory presentation, the film remains competent but never notably distinctive. Character portrayals demonstrate professional commitment but lack substantive resonance. Ultimately, it stands as a lightly entertaining satire whose underdeveloped plot and muted tone limit its overall impact.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 45

    In terms of direction and cinematography, Birthmarked offers serviceable craftsmanship without significant flair. Production design and editing maintain a basic coherence but lack moments of visual innovation, resulting in an undistinguished aesthetic. The film’s framing occasionally highlights the satire’s premise, yet scenes often appear straightforward and uninspired. Overall, the movie’s art and craft elements are competent but fall short of delivering a truly memorable or distinctive visual identity.

  • Character & Emotion 60

    When it comes to acting and character depth, the cast delivers consistently capable performances, anchoring the film with credible interactions. However, emotional resonance remains limited, as character motivations are only intermittently explored. Chemistry between leads offers occasional warmth, yet lacks substantial development. The portrayals sustain audience interest but do not fully realize the nuanced dynamics suggested by the premise. Overall, character engagement is adequate but seldom profound.

  • Story & Flow 35

    In terms of plot coherence and pacing, the story struggles with uneven development and a far-fetched premise that often feels underexplored. Originality in concept provides fleeting intrigue, yet inconsistencies in narrative flow and sporadic revelations fail to cement engagement. Attempts at satirical commentary yield only occasional amusement, leaving broader thematic debates underdeveloped. Overall, the storyline exhibits ambition but is hindered by a lack of sustained focus and cohesion.

  • Sensory Experience 50

    When it comes to sensory experience, the film’s score and sound design support the comedic tone but do not offer distinctive musical themes or inventive auditory textures. Visual style remains functional, with an understated color palette and straightforward shot compositions that neither elevate nor detract significantly. Moments of humor occasionally benefit from timing and sound cues, yet overall sensory elements stay within a safe, conventional range. The experience feels adequate but uninspired.

  • Rewatch Factor 30

    In terms of rewatch potential, Birthmarked delivers occasional laugh-out-loud lines and a lightly amusing premise that may appeal on a second viewing. Nonetheless, the overall lack of depth in character development and narrative momentum reduces its lasting appeal. Without significant new insights or revelatory nuances, subsequent viewings risk highlighting the same pacing and coherence issues present initially. Ultimately, the film’s replay value is limited by its modest emotional and thematic stakes.

Videos

Birthmarked Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Birthmarked.

Birthmarked trailer
Details

Birthmarked Also Known As

8 alternative titles, including “버스마크트” and “기니피그 패밀리”.

Also known as
  • 버스마크트
  • 기니피그 패밀리
  • Белязани по рождение
  • Naznaczeni
  • Birthmarked - Genitori contro natura
  • ילדי המעבדה
  • 胎记
  • Predestinados, ლაქიანი

Seen Birthmarked?

FAQ

Birthmarked FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Birthmarked, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Birthmarked?

Birthmarked runs 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).

When was Birthmarked released?

Birthmarked was released on March 30, 2018.

Who directed Birthmarked?

Birthmarked was directed by Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais.

More films by Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais

Who is in the cast of Birthmarked?

Birthmarked stars Toni Collette as Catherine, Fionnula Flanagan as Mrs. Tridek and Matthew Goode as Ben, among 15 credited actors.

How is Birthmarked rated?

Birthmarked has 5.7/10 on IMDb, 12% on Rotten Tomatoes, 44 on Metacritic and 58% on TMDB.

Does Birthmarked have a post-credit scene?

No. Birthmarked has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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